Herbal Drinks

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat

2010-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat
Different form its use as an attractive flower or horticulture purposes in Europe, chrysanthemum of the Composite family, in particular its flower has been used as a traditional medicine ins several Asian countries, such as China, Korea and Japan for several centuries.

The flower of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat, owing to its broad pharmacological effect as well as its fragrance, is also used as a beverage - chrysanthemum tea.

C. morifolium Ramat is widely distributed in most habitats of China as well as Korea and Japan,

In China, it is cultivated mainly in Zhejiang province along the Yangtze River.

Although the components of chrysanthemum may vary slightly according to the different cultivation environments, the flowers are processed using a similar method.

The plants are usually grown in early spring and the flowers harvested in autumn of each year.

After steam treatment the flowers are dried under the sun and then packed into an airtight plastic bag to prevent absorption of moisture.

New technology, such as microwave sterilization and drying, has been used to enhance the production process and improve quality.
Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat

Drying Herbs

2010-01-22T00:47:00.000-08:00

Drying Herbs
Drying Herbs makes them available year round. When herbs are dried, their cell walls break down, which enables the properties of the plants to be released once the herbs are rehydrated.

Dry herbs in the shade in a warm, well-ventilated area and they may be dried on a nylon or stainless steel screen, in a shallow box, or loosely in a paper bag.

Some have found that drying herbs in a paper bag in the backseat of their car to be very affective.

Herbs also can be tied in small bunches and string them up in an attic or warm room to dry.

Most herbs dry in four to seven days. Hen leaves and flowers crumble between fingers, which is a good indication they are dry enough; if they bend and remain flexible, they probably still contain moisture that needs to evaporate.

To test a root for dryness, slice into it in a couple of places; if the root is dry to the touch in its center, it’s ready to be stored.

Storing undried herbs in a glass jar is likely to result in mold growth.

Another method to test for dryness is to seal a sample of the herb in a small, dry glass jar. If droplets of moisture appear on the lid, the herbs moisture is still too high and the drying process must be resumed.
Drying Herbs

Herbal Beverage as Stimulants

2010-01-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Herbal Beverage as Stimulants
There are several commonly consumed herbal beverages that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS).

Guarana (made from the crushed seed of the Brazilian shrub Paullinia cupana and mate (the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis) are Latin American herbs with stimulatory properties, due to high levels of caffeine they contain – approx 3.5% and 2% caffeine, respectively.

A typical 6 oz cup of mate may contain 25-50 mg of caffeine. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) may contain approx 35 – 65 mg of caffeine per cup. Whereas lemon-flavored Lipton green tea contain approx 15 mg caffeine per 12 oz can.

Each of these beverages provides substantially less caffeine than coffee, which provide approx 60-130 mg/cup.

Ephedra spp. (Ma Huang) is commonly used for the treatment of respiratory ailments such as bronchial asthma. Ephedra contains the alkaloid stimulant ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Because of its adrenergic properties, ephedrine has been widely used as a nasal decongestant and to treat bronchial asthma.

Ephedra, combined with caffeine, is also promoted for use as a diet aid to help in weight loss programs and is also sold as an energy boosting formula. Ephedra can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heat rate.
Herbal Beverage as Stimulants

Yoghurt and health benefits

2009-12-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Yoghurt and health benefits
Yoghurt is produced from the milk of cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, yak and other mammals. In industrial production of yoghurt cow’s milk is the predominant starting material.

To get custard like consistency, cow’s milk is generally fortified with non fat dry milk, milk protein concentrated, or condensed skim milk.

Varieties of yoghurt available include plain, fruit flavored, whipped, drinking type, smoked, dried, strained, and frozen.

The popularity of yoghurt has increased due to its perceived health benefits.

Health promoting attributes of consuming yoghurt containing live and active cultures are well documented.

The trend of using prebiotics and probiotic cultures in the manufacture of fermented milks and yoghurts is supported by clinical trials.

The benefits effects documented in the numerous studies and reviews include prevention of cancer, reduction in diarrhea associated with travel, antibiotic therapy, and rotavirus, improvement of gastrointestinal health, enhancement of immunity of the host, amelioration of lactose intolerance symptoms, protection from infections caused by food borne microorganisms, control of vaginitis, and vaccine adjuvant effects.
Yoghurt and health benefits

Milk, Yoghurt and Cheese

2009-11-05T17:01:00.001-08:00

Milk, Yoghurt and Cheese
Dairy products have an important role to play in the diet of a growing kid.

Here’s what you need to know in order to ensure that your child receives the recommended number of servings from the milk, yoghurt and cheese group on a regular basis.

Milk is an excellent source of vitamin D and calcium – the nutrients needed to build healthy bones and strong teeth.

Although vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure, increased use of sunscreens limits the amounts of vitamin D that can be obtained from the sun.

Consequently, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your child’s diet contains vitamin D-rich foods, especially milk.

Although it’s okay to offer your child chocolate milk on occasion, don’t let it replace the regular milk in her diet.

Chocolate milk is such higher in sugar than regular milk.

If your child relay enjoys her chocolate milk, dilute with regular milk so that she’s not getting quite as much sugar.

Chocolate milk is much more nutritious that soda pop, however, so if you want to give her the choice of ordering something other than regular milk at a fast food restaurant, chocolate milk is a healthy choice.

Limit your child’s use of processed cheese slice and spread, as these products are much higher in salt than natural cheeses.

Don’t get in the habit of serving ice cream and frozen yoghurt on a regular basis because they tend to contain a lot of fat and sugar.

Flavored yogurts tend to be quite high in sugar.

You can get a lot of mileage out of a small serving of flavored yogurt by letting your child use it as dip for fruit slices.

Or, if you prefer buy plain yogurt and add your own flavoring and such as some fresh fruit, vanilla flavoring, and so on.
Milk, Yoghurt and Cheese

Antioxidant Activities of Chrysanthemum

2009-10-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

Antioxidant Activities of Chrysanthemum
The antioxidant properties of flavonoids extracted from chrysanthemum could have been responsible for the broad pharmacological effects of chrysanthemum.

It was found that water extract showed significant antioxidant activities in the linoleic acid system in vitro.

The inhibitor rate against peroxidation of linoleic acid was much higher than that of antioxidant alpha-tocopherol.

In the liposome model system, the extract showed significant inhibitory activity against peroxidation of lecithin, suggesting that the extract may reduce lipid peroxidation and play a role in protecting against damage to the cell membrane.

The water extract of chrysanthemum also showed significant direct inhibitory effects on various free radicals.

Similar to other antioxidants chrysanthemum extract has been shown to be an electron donor with strong reducing power.

The significant correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity indicates that the polyphenolic directly to the antioxidant activity of the extract.

It was demonstrated that flavonoids, a subgroup of phenolic compounds, were responsible for the antioxidant activity of the chrysanthemum extract, which can scavenge reactive oxygen radicals such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals.

The flavonoids can also be absorbed into cell membrane and hence protect the cells from the damage of free oxygen radicals.

The overall observations seem to indicate that the chemical reducing property may contribute to the free radical scavenging activities of chrysanthemum extract.
Antioxidant Activities of Chrysanthemum

Tea bags consumption and history

2009-09-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Tea bags consumption and history
A New York tea merchant named William Sullivan invented tea bags accidently in 1904.

He had the idea of sending samples of tea to customers in hand sewn silk bags rather than in a tin.

He was soon flooded with orders for the convenient tea bags.

Making herbal blends from scratch might not be everyone’s cup of tea and for that reason, tea bags are a welcome convenience.

Although true tea aficionados shun them, tea bags can make an acceptable cup of tea.

They’re also readily available and provide convenience for those with a go-go-go lifestyle for new comers to the world of herbal teas, and for those who are traveling or dining in restaurants.

If your carry a few wrapped tea bags in your purse, briefcase, or backpack, you have only to request, “Hot water, please’” when you are on the road or in places where herbal teas are not available.

Happily, herbal teas are now more available than ever. Yet in order for the herbs to be put into tea bags, they are ground into a very fine cut that exposes the surfaces areas of the herbs thousands of times, thus allowing flavorful and therapeutic essential oils to evaporate more quickly.

When the tea bags sit for many months before being used, the herbs they contain lose potency. Many companies compensate for this loss by adding natural or unnatural flavorings to the herbs.
Tea bags consumption and history

Special Herbs for Women

2009-09-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Special Herbs for Women
Some women may use herbal teas during pregnancy to get away from caffeine-containing beverages.

However, because of the potentially embryotoxic, teratogenic and abortifacient effects of some herbal teas, pregnant women are advised to exercise moderation in their use of herbal beverages.

Before using any herbal tea, a pregnant woman should first consult with her physician.

Leonurus cardiaca L
A tea made from the above ground parts of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.), a member of the mint family, has been used to treat amenorrhea and irregular menstruation and to stimulate uterine activity.

Motherwort contains the alkaloids stachydrine and leonurine, as well as flavonoids, iridoids, tannins and terpenoids.

Extracts of motherwort have shown antispasmodic, cardiotonic , hypotensive and sedative properties.

Motherwort is not recommended during pregnancy.

Capsella bursa-pastoris
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a member of the mustard family and grows as a weed in backyards, farmlands and roadside nationwide.

Its name derives from the purse shape of the seedpots of the plant.

The above ground parts can be prepared into capsules, tablets or a tea.

The plant has been historically used for its antihemorrhagic action. It is used in Europe for the symptomatic treatment of nosebleeds and mild menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.

Vitex agnus castus
The fruit of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) has been used for centuries for menstrual difficulties.

In one study, 93% of patients treated with vitex experienced alleviation or elimination of PMS symptoms. Such as breast tenderness, bloating, irritability, headache, anger and depression.

Rubus idaeus
Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is commonly used by women to shorten labor and facilitate an easier childbirth.

Red raspberry contains a compound that produces more regular uterine contraction; hence raspberry is widely use as a childbirth aid.

Australia study found raspberry leaves safe and effective for shortening the second stage of labor.

The study also indicated that women ingesting raspberry leaves might be less likely to experience premature rupture of their membranes or require a Caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth that the control group.

Red raspberry is also used as a mouthwash and gargle for sore throats due to its astringent properties.
Special Herbs for Women

Beneficial Effects of Chrysanthemum: Eye Irritation

2009-08-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Beneficial Effects of Chrysanthemum: Eye Irritation
Volatile oil and flavonoids are believed to be main active components in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.

Flavonoids, in the forms of glycoside derivatives, are more polar than volatile oil and hence are readily dissolved in water. This is partly the reason that most of the studies in chrysanthemum have been focused on its flavonoids.

Hot water extraction of chrysanthemum has been reported to show inhibitory activity against rat lens aldose reductase.

Flavones and flavones glycosides were found to be active components responsible for this observation, among which elaggic acid showed the highest inhibitory activity.

Elevated concentration of sorbitol is responsible for eye irritation.

Aldose reductase, along with coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), catalyzes the reduction of glucose to sorbitol.
Beneficial Effects of Chrysanthemum: Eye Irritation

The Art of Tea

2009-06-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Art of Tea
Nothing warms the body and soul like holding a fragrant, steaming cup of herbal tea, inhaling its subtle scents as you slowly sip.

Tea is among the most ancient, basin and simple methods of healing and nourishing body, mind and spirit.

As science has proven time and again, plants are endowed with important nutrients and potent healing compounds.

Some of those elements come from the raw earth: for example, a plant grown in calcium - or iron-rich soil draws those elements into its own body.

When you brew plants in water, the resulting beverage – herbal tea – is imbued with those constituent, carrying them into the body, where they are quickly absorbed.

Even better, teas are very easy to prepare, inexpensive and delicious.

Plant constituents that release their properties into water include carbohydrate protein, enzymes, mucilage, pectins, saponins and polysaccharides.

Essential oils are soluble but evaporate easily gums and tannins are partially soluble. All can play a role in improving and supporting human health.

Even though there is a wide array of medicinal herbal preparations, including capsules, tablets and tincture, drinking herbal tea offers unique benefits that should not be overlooked.

Teas are rapidly absorbed in the body, Also teas, are flavorful and aromatic. When we drink herbal tea the brain is soothed and nourished by aromas inhaled though the nose and the tasty sensory messages received by the tongue.

Another important benefit of drinking herbal tea is that it gives us an opportunity in our busy day to take a bit of time out for ourselves.

Taking tome out to taste and savor herbal teas provides an opportunity for reflection. Rather than swallowing a couple tasteless capsules with a gulp of water as we run out the door, we can use our time drinking herbal tea to think about intention - nourishing nervous sytem strengthening nervous system.
The Art of Tea

Diuretics

2009-05-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

Diuretics
Numerous teas and herbal preparations have also been widely used as diuretics to treat premenstrual syndrome and other conditions.

Extracts of goldenrod (solidago sp.), juniper (Juniperus communis), parsley (peroselinum), bearberry or uva ursi (Arcstostaphylos uva-ursi), fennel(Foeniculum vulgare) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are modestly effective diuretics that may be used safely in moderation, either singly or in various combinations.

Of these, goldenrod is probably the most effective diuretic. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity.

The active constituents of goldenrod include flavonoids, tannins and saponins. There are no reports of adverse reactions from its use.

The dried ripe berries of the juniper tree (J.communis) function as a diuretic and also provide antiseptic activity for the urinary tract.

Juniper’s diuretic effect results from its content of terpinen-4-ol, which increases the glomerular filtration rate in the kidney.

One must exercise caution when using juniper berries, because large amounts may produce kidney damage characterized by albuminuria or renal hematuria.

Juniper tea also is also contraindicated during pregnancy.

Stinging nettle (U. dioica) is feared by many because its leaves and stems are covered with tiny hairs that inject formic acid and release histamine when touched.

However, the stinging irritant is tamed by cooking or drying. The dried leaves of U. dioica possess diuretic activity, possibly due to its high flavonoids content.

Parsley is widely used in salads and soups as a garnish. The leaves and roots of parsley are helpful for reducing urinary tract inflammations.

Bearberry or uva ursi is also effective against urinary tract infections as a result of its antibacterial action.

Its antiseptic action results from the presence of two phenolic glycosides.

Juice made form cranberry also provides protection against the colonization of Escherichia coli bacteria in urinary tract infections.
Diuretics

Medicinal Uses of Chicory

2009-04-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Medicinal Uses of Chicory
Chicory has a mildly taste and the root is much the same medicinally as the root of the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, having a cleansing action in the liver, stomach and kidneys and the whole urinary tract.

As a treatment for gout, rheumatic conditions and general aches and pains of the joints, chicory was once considered to be a herb particularly appropriate for the elderly and was also used as a gentle laxative for children.

A tea of leaves and flowers – ¼ cup mixed leaves and flowers with 1 cup boiling water poured over it and left to stand for 5 minutes, sweetened with a touch of honey if desired – is the way to treat any of these ailments and usually no more than 1 cup a day will do the trick.

The tea is slightly laxative and safe for children, made as a standard brew and ½ a cup given at a time to children under 10 years of age.

Mothers in medieval France and England grew chicory in their cottage gardens, which they used for purging and for flushing out of bladder and today’s research verifies these uses.

It literally washes out bladder and colon, clears infections, acts as a strong tonic and increases the flow of bile.

Around AD 23-79, chicory juice mixed with strong vinegar and a little rose oil was used to treat headaches.

Today doctors find that a tea made of the flowers and a leaf or two, aids, digestion, clears toxins from the body and flushes the kidneys.

If that same tea is used as a wash or added to the bath during an attack of cystitis, it soothes any external discomfort and itch gently.
Medicinal Uses of Chicory

Lotus Root Tea

2009-04-04T23:07:00.001-07:00

Lotus Root Tea
Lotus root tea is especially helpful in relieving coughs and dissolving mucus in the lungs.

To prepare it squeeze the juice from a half cup of freshly grated lotus root into a pot with one cup of water.

Simmer until the liquid thickens, add a pinch of sea salt, and drink it hot.

If fresh lotus root is unavailable, dried lotus root can be used instead.

To make tea form the dried root, add 2 tablespoons of lotus root to 1 cup of water.

Bring to a boil, reduce the flame, and simmer for fifteen minutes.

Add of sea salt or a dash of tamari, and drink it hot.
Lotus Root Tea

Physiological and Therapeutic Effects of Tea

2009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Physiological and Therapeutic Effects of Tea
In China, from Tang Dynasty to Qing Dynasty (618-1911 A.D.), there had existed a great number of books contributed to tea. Those included mainly 3 categories, namely books in herbal medicines, tea manuals and general historic publications.

Tea was repeated to exhibit 24 kinds of physiological and therapeutic effects, such as causing less sleep, calming down, clearing sight, relieving headache, dispelling thirst, dissipating fever, detoxification, helping digestion, reducing obesity, diuresis, as a pectoral for chest disease, invigorating, strengthening teeth, and more.

In addition to the probable applications as medicine, tea, used as a daily beverage has made great contributions to human health in at least two major aspects.

Firstly, tea drinking changes the habit of how people consume water.

In ancient times, when people felt thirsty they would simply drink natural, unprocessed water that might contain pathogenic microbes.

Since the adoption of tea drinking, people had used boiling water to make tea infusion. In fact this practice helped people avoid a variety of infectious disease.

Secondly tea appears to be a good substitute for alcoholic beverages. This people who very much enjoyed tea drinking might avoid alcohol over consumption that causes severe damage to the human body.
Physiological and Therapeutic Effects of Tea

Toxicities of Herbal Teas

2009-03-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Toxicities of Herbal Teas
Because manufacturers are not required to list potential toxicities on the labels, consumers may unknowingly exposed to harmful substances.

More than 30 herbal teas contain substances that cause serious toxicities, including liver, GI tract, nervous system, and circulatory system disorders.

Chaparral, an herbal preparation made from the leaves of the creosote bush (Larrea tridentate) of the American southwest desert, is used in teas capsules and tablet preparations.

Chaparral is promoted for the treatment of cancer, to retard aging, and as a free radical scavenger because of its antioxidant properties.

In December 1992, the FDA Center for Food safety and Applied Nutrition issued a warning suggesting a potential link between chaparral use and liver toxicity after six cases of hepatitis were reported after consumption of the herb. Some of the serious liver problems required hospitalization.

An herbal tea containing woodruff, melilot and tonka beans produced abnormal clotting function and mild clinical bleeding due to its high content of natural anticoagulants called coumadins.

Deaths have also been reported from the use of herbal teas made from oleander leaves (Nerium oleander) that are rich in toxic cardiac glycosides and mistletoe berries (Viscum album) that contain viscotoxin and other toxic principles.

Using herbal teas in home remedies for common childhood illness may trigger serious health problems for child.

Peppermint and chamomile teas are commonly used among Mexican-American populations. Their prolonged use, in the absence of normal food, may result in water intoxication and seizures in young children resulting from an inadequate sodium intake.

Furthermore, many herbal beverages are actually a concoction of several herbs. With the lack of comprehensive data on individual herbs, it is difficult to predict the combined effect of a complex mixture of herbs that may act in concert, in conflict or synergistically with each other.
Toxicities of Herbal Teas

Applications of Chrysanthemum

2009-02-16T21:30:00.001-08:00

Applications of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum tea is prepared in the same way as traditional tea. The dried flowers are infused with hot water for over 10 min, and the tea is ready to serve.

For clinical usage, the chrysanthemum is boiled either alone or together with various other herbs, according to the prescriptions to suit a specific clinical purpose.

Based on traditional usage, in addition to use as a tea, C. morifolium is used for the common cold, fever, migraines, conjunctivitis, eye, irritation, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, vertigo, ophthalmia with swelling and pain, etc.

As a mixture with other herbs, it has been claimed to be able to relieve migraines and eye irritation, improve vision, and cure keratitis.

The curing rates of ulcerative colitis and hypertension are reported to be more than 90% and 80% respectively.

Apart from the above traditional usages, there are also reports of other usage, such as antitumor activities.

Chrysanthemum water extract was found to significantly inhibit growth of transplanted tumor in nude mice, suggesting that the water-soluble components of chrysanthemum may have potent chemopreventive effects.

Although chrysanthemum is considered to be a “mild” herb and almost with no side effect in traditional medical practice, adverse effect has been reported with its flowers, and leaves may cause skin dermatitis.

In contrast there was no report that drinking chrysanthemum tea could cause respiratory or alimentary tract irritation.
Applications of Chrysanthemum

Tea: Health Benefits

2009-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

Tea: Health Benefits
The tea plant Camellia sinensis has been grown in Southeast Asia for thousands of years. According to Chinese mythology, it was the emperor Shen Nung who discovered tea in 2737 BC. In ancient China, tea was considered as a medicinal remedy for headache, body aches and pains, depression, immune enhancement, digestion and detoxification; as an energizer and to prolong life.

The Japanese population learned the habit of drinking tea from the Chinese in approximately 800 AD. Tea consumption has now been adapted and assimilated by many cultures around the world. In Kamakura era (1191 – 1333), the monk Eisai stressed that beneficial effect of tea in his book, ‘Maintaining Health by Drinking Tea’ in 1211 in which he emphasized: “Tea is miraculous medicine for the maintenance of health.”

Of all the beverages consumed today, tea is undoubtedly one of the oldest, most widely known, and most widely consumed. Its consumption was introduced throughout the world by traders and travelers. One thing that makes tea attractive is that it is inexpensive and comes in numerous flavors. Tea drinking is a pleasurable experience that is enjoyed either alone or shared at social gatherings. The Japanese tea ceremony and the English 4 o’clock tea are examples of how important tea has become in the tradition of some cultures.

As the people age, a major health issue becomes remaining disease free. Thus, understanding what to eat and drink and what to avoid is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Evidence is accumulating that tea has the potential to help reduce the incidence of major diseases, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Such a lifestyle includes plenty of exercise and minimizing mental stress. It also includes consuming a diet that possesses health promoting effects. Nutrition has, therefore, been an area of intense investigation during the past few decades. Some foods and beverages have a beneficial and protective effect. Daily intake of tea, fruit juice, and soy milk is part of a health promoting dietary tradition. This undertaking is based on differences in disease incidence as a function of locally prevailing nutritional habits.
Tea: Health Benefits

Citrus Juice

2009-01-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

Citrus Juice
Among citrus juice, orange is by far the most important. Lemon, lime, grape and tangerines are also processed as juice.

One of the characteristics of citrus juice is that it is to be consumed mainly as a cloudy drink.

Although the biggest percentage of that juice is made of diluted first extraction juice that does not require enzyme treatment most of the time, there is an appreciable production of by-product that are made from pulp and the peels, and these are marketed either as second quality juice or as natural cloudifiers.

The juice is rich in vitamin C, and in the minerals calcium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

The flavonoids are concentrated in the white pulp surrounding the fruit. Bioflavonoids help the body to retain and use vitamin C. Together these two nutrients improve the permeability and strength of capillary walls.

This is why citrus juice helps heal bruises more quickly than if they were not treated with citrus juice.

Common colds benefits greatly form a diet rich in citrus juices. Unfortunately while convenient, pasteurized, frozen, and concentrated citrus juices do not produce the same health benefits as fresh squeezed citrus juices.

Citrus juices taken in excess can leech calcium from the system, softening bones and teeth. If drink more than three to four 6 ounce glasses per week, make sure to get extra exercise to burn excess acid.
Citrus Juice

Acne and Green Tea

2008-12-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

Acne and Green Tea
Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve general well-being. But does it provide an effective herbal alternative to modern medication?

In a recent study, a green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results from this research study showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne as the benzoyl peroxide.
But benzoyl peroxide dries out skin causing itching or allergic reactions. Unlike green tea that has the added advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at fighting free radicals.

Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for acne sufferers.
Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken as a in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.

This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as Pimple Tea in many Chinatowns) when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don’t drink it with sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.

It seems that taking green tea for acne is a win-win situation It has many beneficial properties which promote good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for the price, green tea its definitely a herbal treatment that is worth trying.
Source: articlehub
Acne and Green Tea

Potential of Herbal Drinks

2008-12-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

Potential of Herbal Drinks
In supermarket, and health food stores today, there are several different beverages with such catchy names as Scarlet Sunrise, Lemon Appeal, Sunburst C, Tangy Autumn, Mint Magic and Country Peach Passion. These herbal beverages may provide some therapeutic medicinal value. Those herbal beverages for which therapeutic properties are claimed may vary widely in their potency; therefore, a desired effect may be obtained. In addition, reaction to a particular herb can vary greatly form one person to another.

The potency of herbal beverages and hence their effectiveness, cannot be accurately predicted because the concentration of active ingredients in the plant material can vary enormously. Several factors can influence the potency of a herb, such as age of the plant, growing conditions, growing locations, storage and handling procedures, extraction methods and post-harvest processing. Any of these factors may produce a wide variation in the properties associated with an herbal tea.

Poor standardization of herbal teas can produce unreliable effects due to the great variation in the active constituents. The lack of standardization can contribute to the risk of overdose. There was also significant variability in the concentration of the marker compound from one brand of product to another.

Other issues to consider relate to species identification and whether the correct part of the plant is used. Different species of a particular genus may not act similarity. For example, the three of Echinacea have different activities. The oral use of the upper parts of Echinacea purpurea are recognized a beneficial for colds and respiratory infections, whereas it is root and the upper parts of Echinacea pallida that are useful for the treatment pf influenza-like infections.

On the other hand, neither the root nor the upper parts of Echinacea angustifolia provide any benefit for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Because of the world wide shortage of Echinacea, some manufacturers have diluted their Echinacea preparations with wild quinine root, a cheaper look-alike substitute, which is inactive.
Potential of Herbal Drinks

Ginseng

2008-12-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ginseng
Although many different kinds of ‘ginseng’ may be sold in Canadian and American retail outlet, two species are commonly seen in pharmacy practice: Panax Ginseng and Panax quinquefollius L. Other closely related species include: Panax pseudoginseng Wallich var, japonicus, Panax pseudoginseng Wallich var, notoginseng are rarely seen.

Panax ginseng C.A Meyer is the most widely used and most extensively studied species of ginseng. Native to (and now widely cultivated in) both Korea and China, this herbaceous shrub grows to a height of 60 to 70 cm or 20 to 25 inches from a tap root and produces a cluster of small green yellow flowers. The fully grown tap roots are approximately 2 centimeters in diameter and 8 to 20 centimeters longs. Many ginseng products available in North America are made from Panax ginseng grown in the Orient.

Panax is derived from the Greek roots pan meaning “all” and akos meaning “cure” and refers to the “cure all” and “panacea” quality generally attributed to the herb. The name ginseng means “essence of the earth in the form of a man,” and refers to the resemblance of the roots to a human form.

Ginseng has been an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over five thousand years. It is considered to be a bitter sweet herb with a warming character. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng was used to restore ‘yang’ quality and to treat general weakness, deficient qi (chi) patterns, anemia, lack of appetite, nervous agitation, thirst and impotence. It is classified as an adaptogen, which is thought to increase non specific resistance to adverse influences such as stress and infection. Traditionally it was used as a tonic to “increase strength, increase blood volume, promote life and appetite, quite the spirit, and give wisdom.” It was generally thought to improve vitality.
Ginseng

Witch Hazel

2008-11-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub also called tobacco wood. Many tribes including the Cherokee and Iroquois have used a tea made from the leaves or bark to treat coughs, colds, fevers and sore throats. Because witch hazel is an astringent, it is also effective at treating diarrhea. This herb also has been used as an anti-bacterial, anti inflammatory, haemostatic (control bleeding), synoptic sedative and tonic.

Topically, witch hazel is widely used to treat skin irritations, bites and stings, cuts, and bruises and is an ingredient in many over the counter topical medicines.

To make tea, place one spoon of witch hazel bark or leaves in a pan; cover with one cup of water; bring to a boil; boil for ten to fifteen minutes; cover; cool and strain. Take up to one cup a day, a tablespoon at a time.

Witch hazel is used to relieve sugar diabetes. It will not cure it, but it will relieve the symptoms. The patients will not have to take pills or shots. A glass a day of the tea made with witch hazel for a month will put a person back to normal. After that, he or she may need to take another glass once a month or so.
Witch Hazel

Herbal Beverages in America

2008-10-29T03:05:00.000-07:00

Herbal Beverages in America
Drinking herbal beverage is popular in America for several reasons. Herbal teas provide opportunities to have a low calories beverage or a healthy caffeine-free alternative to coffee. Other tea may provide a medicinal affect. These herbal beverages may contain extracts from the bark, roots, seeds, flowers, leaves or fruits or trees and shrubs. Today, the herbal tea industry has become a multimillion-dollar business.

It was common for American Indians to use herbal preparations to treat various ailments and illness. For example, a tea made from Yarrow leaves was used to cure stomach disorders, to treat hemorrhaging, and break a fever. Bee balm was prepared as a tea by the Oswego Indians to treat colic, colds, fevers, stomachaches, nosebleeds, and insomnia. Witch hazel was used to treat rheumatism, hemorrhoids, backaches, cuts, insect bites and bruises. Wild yam was used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) problem and relieve labor pains, and slippery elm was used as a soothing laxative. Various Native American tribes used motherwort to treat gynecologic disorders, whereas a tea made from goldenseal root was used as a general tonic.

After Europeans came to America, other herbal teas were used for various purposes. For example, hop tea was useful to induce sleep, passionflower was used to treat insomnia and peppermint tea was successfully used to relieve nausea and indigestion. In addition willow bark was used for muscle aches and pains and to treat fevers, and white oak bark was used as a gargle for sore throats and to relieve skin problems.

To avoid consuming caffeine-containing beverages, some people choose cereal-based beverages. These originally develop from roasted cereals and molasses. Years ago, these coffee substitutes were popular. Because these beverages stimulate gastric acid secretion, person who develop peptic ulcer should not consumes the roasted cereal beverages in an empty stomach.
Herbal Beverages in America

Health Benefits of Tea

2008-10-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Health Benefits of Tea
Tea is the most common beverage choice through the world. Whether it’s black, green, or oolong tea, tea comes from the same plant, called Camellia sinensis. Differences in color and flavor depend ion processing.

For black tea, the most popular type in the United States, tea leaves are exposed to air, the natural biochemical process turns them a deep red-brown color and imparts a unique, rich flavor. Many flavored specialty teas start with black tea.

For green tea, typically served in Chinese and Japanese restaurants, the tea leaves are not processed as much. Instead, they’re just heated or steamed quickly to keep their green color and delicate flavor.

Oolong tea is “between” tea: between black and green tea.

Whether black or green or oolong, tea appears to have potential health benefits, perhaps derived from its flavonoids. Flavonoids and other polyphenols, which are phytonutrients, work as antioxidants that may help protect body cells from damage done by free radicals. Using the oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC)) score, which may ranks the antioxidants potential of plant based foods, tea ranks as high as or higher than many fruits and vegetables.

Can tea drinking help keep our body healthy? May be, but the research linking tea consumption and disease prevention is too new for certainty, And there’s not enough evidence yet to offer specific advice about tea drinking. Some promising areas of study suggests that tea or tea’s flavonoids may reduce risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers and may offer protection from heart disease and stroke – if consume enough (four to six cups a day). Some studies are investigating whether tea plays a role in relaxation or mental performance.

Tea may supply fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel, if it’s made with fluoridated water. Tea also may help fight cavities by reducing plaque formation and hindering cavity-forming bacteria.
Health Benefits of Tea

Roselle Drinks

2008-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Roselle Drinks
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. sabdariffa), belonging to the family Malvaceae, is an important multipurpose annual under-shrub preferred for its red, acid, succulent calyces, young leaves, stem, fruits ,seed and seed oil for food, beverages and in Yunani and modern systems of medicine throughout the tropics and subtropics.

The dried calyces have acquired a considerable reputation in the international trade as a substitute for tea and coffee and as a popular softdrinks. The fresh calyces are used as a vegetable or eaten as salad or used in confectionaries, in the preparation of soups, curries, chutneys, sauces, jams, jellies, squashes, tarts, tisanes and wines. The astringent herbal drinks made form hibiscus, known as medicinal tea, is used as a cure for fever, cold, pneumonia, and is said to possess diuretic, demulcent, emollient, laxative, antiseptic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, and choleretic properties. The drug is also to cure heart and nerve disease, asthma, and skin diseases. Besides, the seeds contain fatty oil, proteins, starch and lipids. Medicinally, the seeds are reported to have demulcent, diuretic and tonic properties and recommend in cases of dyspepsia, strangury and general debility.
Roselle Drinks